Naturally, the president tread lightly on the subject in an exclusive interview with the Associated Press.

"I don't want to detract from the wonderful Redskins fans that are here. They love their team and rightly so," Obama said. "I don't know whether our attachment to a particular name should override the real legitimate concerns that people have about these things."

Obama hinted in the interview that he would consider becoming part-owner in a pro franchise once his presidency is over.

"Maybe after I leave the presidency," he said of investing in a team. "I think it would be a lot of fun.

"I'd probably look at a basketball team before I looked at a football team. I know more about basketball than I do about football."